First homes released at landmark Edinburgh development

Phase one at Royal Meadows sees 22 homes come to market

THE FIRST homes have been released at one of Scotland’s most high-profile developments, that is transforming Edinburgh’s former Royal Hospital for Sick Children into a range of luxury homes.

Featuring 83 homes in total, a mixture of apartments, penthouses and townhouses, Royal Meadows is the most ambitious project to date by the renowned Edinburgh developer, Square & Crescent.

Included in the first phase of homes released to market are five-bedroom, three-storey townhouses on Millerfield Place starting from £1.55m.

Six stylish apartments have been released within the east wing of the main red sandstone Sciennes building, as well as eight Millerfield apartments, which look directly on to The Meadows.

Simon Cook, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director with Square & Crescent, said: “We recognise just how significant these buildings are to people in and around Edinburgh and the responsibility for ensuring a fitting next chapter.

“The talented teams involved in bringing our early vision to life are successfully transforming and revitalising these historic buildings using real craftsmanship to create beautiful, well-appointed homes.

“We trust that they will be well received by homebuyers and urge anyone interested to get in touch.”

Occupying an outstanding location on the edge of The Meadows, one of Edinburgh’s most famous parks, the luxury homes sit on a four-acre site and lie between Sciennes Road and Rillbank Crescent.  

The Royal Meadows sales suite and show apartment is now open by appointment for potential buyers. Construction on the residential development is set to be fully completed in early-mid 2026, with the first clients set to get their keys this Summer.

Nestled in the heart of Marchmont and The Grange area of Edinburgh, the Royal Meadows development is well-connected – just one mile from Princes Street and a short walk from Lothian Road.

The premium residential developer supports Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which helps seriously ill babies, children and young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians by supporting their medical care, mental health and family’s wellbeing. ECHC’s former headquarters is one of the buildings being converted as part of the major Royal Meadows development.

Square & Crescent is a widely regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition and development of historic buildings into beautiful homes.

Available homes within the first phase at Royal Meadows start from £520,000.

For more information on Royal Meadows, or to register interest, visit the development website www.royalmeadows.co.uk or call 0131 225 2155 and select option two.

Hospital hub bolstered by Edinburgh developer 

Children’s charity helped during toughest months with new funding 

Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has been boosted at a crucial time following an £8,000 donation from a business close to its heart. 

After completing the capital’s gruelling Seven Hills of Edinburgh challenge, an 11-strong team from residential developers Square & Crescent raised thousands of pounds that will go directly to the charity’s Hospital Hub. 

The timely funds will support the charity’s active Hospital Hub, which is located within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and is at its busiest time during winter months.  

Entirely reliant on donations, the Hub is the hospital’s wellbeing centre, acting as a non-clinical space for children and their families to spend time away from wards, allowing them to enjoy a range of activities, events and therapies. 

The donation further strengthens the link between ECHC and Square & Crescent, with the latter refurbishing large elements of Edinburgh’s former Royal Hospital for Sick Children into its Royal Meadows development and agreeing a formal partnership earlier this year.   

Kate Dixon, Corporate & Partnerships Lead at ECHC, said: “Square & Crescent’s donation comes at a really important time for ECHC. Our Hospital Hub sees the most use during the festive months, providing comforting respite for children and families during difficult hospital stays, so this extra funding is a great boost. 

“Not only do we want to continue to improve the Hub’s facilities but it’s about expanding its offering past just a safe space, offering valuable activities and events so children and young people can make the best of a tricky time. 

“We’re very grateful, not just for the latest funding from Square & Crescent, but for its ongoing support and collaboration with our charity.” 

The team at Square & Crescent raised £8,000 by tackling the Seven Hills of Edinburgh challenge, which consists of reaching the peak and walking between seven of the famous hills in the capital – Arthurs Seat, Castle Rock, Calton Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Braid Hills, Blackford Hill and Craiglockhart Hill. 

ECHC is currently fundraising for its annual Christmas appeal, which aims to bring festive fun and happiness to children and families facing potentially life-changing hospital visits this December.

This includes a programme of daily activities throughout the month to make sure no one spending the season in hospital misses out on the magic. So far, children have been entertained by Santa abseiling into the building, a silent disco around the wards and a live pipe band. 

ECHC’s former headquarters is one of the buildings being converted as part of the major Royal Meadows development, which will see the former hospital site transformed into a mix of luxury townhouses and apartments. 

The charity was founded in the 1980s where it was based at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children site near Edinburgh’s Meadows, before the hospital’s relocation to Little France in 2021. 

Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and joint Managing Director of Square & Crescent said: “ECHC is doing incredible work so we were delighted to take on a challenge like the Seven Hills to raise vital funds. 

“As we sensitively redevelop the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children into our Royal Meadows development, we feel a real connection with the charity. It brings us a lot of pride to give back in any small way we can and to be able to support the vital work they are doing for young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.” 

Square & Crescent’s Royal Meadows development is targeted for completion in 2025 and is set to launch a sales suite in early 2024. It spans across four-acres and is situated one mile from Princes Street and a short walk from Lothian Road, benefitting from a city centre location. 

Square & Crescent is a widely-regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development and refurbishment of beautiful homes. 

For more information on Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, visit https://echcharity.org/ 

For more information on Royal Meadows, or to register interest, please email sales@squareandcrescent.com or call Lesley Coyle on 07586 129184. 

For more information on Square & Crescent, visit https://squareandcrescent.com/ 

Gillespie Macandrew donates record £48,000 to its charity partners

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has donated a record £48,000 to the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Alzheimer Scotland as part of its annual commitment to its charity partners. 

The firm donates 1% of its pre-tax profits each year and this year announced double digit income growth for the second consecutive year with turnover reaching £16.8m.

These donations are part of a wider programme of engagement with the charities, which includes volunteering and fundraising activities.

The firm began its partnership with ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland in 2021 after both charities were nominated and chosen by staff.  The firm’s overall financial contributions now total over £126,000, shared between the two charities during this period.

Gillespie Macandrew’s commitment to supporting charitable causes is a key element of its overall ESG programme, having donated more than £250,000 to Scottish charities over the past eight years.  

Robert Graham-Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Gillespie Macandrew commented: “We are delighted to be able to share the firm’s success with these two very important charities who provide invaluable support to families in Scotland. 

“We continue to offer practical support to our charity partners and our staff regularly take part in volunteer days with both ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland, from working in the hospital garden to setting up fundraising events. 

“This year Gillespie Macandrew staff also had the opportunity to join Dementia Friends training sessions to learn more about dementia and the small ways in which people can help.”

Roslyn Neely, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: “We are so pleased to be the recipients of this incredible support from Gillespie Macandrew which will help provide our life changing work in The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. 

“No child wants to be in hospital, but for those who must be, ECHC is there to make that experience as positive as possible. Thank you to everyone in Gillespie Macandrew for their kindness and for choosing to help babies, children, and young people with this generous gift.”

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to receive this very generous donation of £24,000.

“Alzheimer Scotland depends on fundraising and every penny raised will help us to continue to fund our vital network of Dementia Advisors, Dementia Centres and 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000), that provide critical support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.

“Without the amazing efforts of our supporters, we would not be able to deliver this vital help. This donation from Gillespie Macandrew helps us to Prevent Today, Care Now and Cure Tomorrow.”

Gillespie Macandrew has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, advising clients on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, renewable energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise. 

Halloween at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity

Calling all Halloween lovers! If you’re looking for the perfect eerie addition for your house this spooky season, look no further than The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor. This Halloween, the attraction is giving away a life-sized statue of the iconic Plague Doctor, in aid of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Situated underneath the iconic Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close is shrouded in myths and mysteries, steeped in stories of Edinburgh’s dark past. This Halloween, the historic attraction is giving you the chance to take home the perfect Halloween prize – The Plague Doctor!

Characterised by his long black cloak and elongated beak-like mask, the Plague Doctor is sure to give even its bravest admirers a fright this Halloween. 

The Plague Doctor’s striking outfit was designed to protect him fromso-called miasmas, the name used to describe foul smells which, at the time, people believedcaused the plague.

In reality, his long cloak kept him safe from airborne diseases and biting fleas which carried bubonic plague.  His mask was also filled with spices and rose petals to prevent the “miasmas” from infecting him.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery, but Edinburgh’s ominous past means we also have the perfect tales to tell this Halloween. 

“The Plague Doctor was one person you didn’t want to pay you a visit, despite being there to help. The limited and dangerous treatments available at the time meant the Plague killed around half of those who contracted it, although Plague Doctors did all they could to cure the sufferers.

“We’re pleased to be giving away one of our life-sized models for a great cause, and their terrifying outfits should mean it makes for a great Halloween decoration for years to come!”

HOW TO ENTER THE PRIZE DRAW

For the chance to win the model, all you have to do is donate to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity through a Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-real-mary-kings-close-fundraiser-for-echc AND enter the form on The Real Mary King’s Close website: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/whats-on-special-tours/edinburgh-childrens-hospital-charity-fundraiser/ 

You must use the same name as used on the Just Giving page and provide an email address.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

All money raised will go to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity runs a six-day-per-week programme of arts and activities for young patients at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

By transforming the hospital wards into disco rooms, art galleries, fairylands, and past eras, they ensure that every child has the freedom to explore, have fun and find inspiration through creative play and learning.

For more information and Halloween bookings please visit: 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

New mental health service for families to open in East Lothian

A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland is to be launched from September in East Lothian.

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service will open tomorrow (Monday 18 September) at The Fraser Centre in Tranent and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The Haven will be open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents. It will offer support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Every family will have their own ‘Pal’; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey. At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.

Sara Fairgrieve from East Lothian is the parent of a child who is currently receiving mental health support. She is backing ECHC’s new service and will attend The Haven with her child once it is open.

Sara said: “This new service is definitely needed and will be very welcome in the community. For any parent who has children struggling with their mental health, just having somewhere to go where you can relax, escape for a little while and meet like-minded parents with similar issues who understand will be so beneficial.

“We’re lucky in that we’re managing for now, but I know there are parents out there who are despairing, stuck on a waiting list and feel they have nowhere to turn to get the help they need now.

“Being able to speak to non-judgmental professionals who can provide the right support and guidance – as families will be able to do at The Haven – will really help to take the stress and strain off parents, and the kids themselves.”

The Haven will be piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain the scale of demand. It is modelled on the charity’s existing Hospital Hub, which delivers very similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

The service is a response to ECHC’s research which found that over half (59%) of Scottish families have a child who has experienced a mental health concern. Once proven, it will be scaled and delivered in community settings and available to all children struggling with their mental health, and their families, across Scotland.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no time to wait.

“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We asked them what was missing, and overwhelmingly we found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them.

“The development of The Haven has been led completely by children, young people and families.  What they asked for was a wellbeing service like that already provided at the children’s hospital. Somewhere the whole family can go and do everything from take part in fun activities, to having a complementary therapy or just a hot cup of tea and the chance to offload.

“Together we have an opportunity to help our children with earlier support for good mental health to improve their wellbeing and avert a potential mental health crisis. We hope The Haven will be part of the solution.”

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian added: “I’m delighted to see Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity launch their new mental health pilot in Tranent. 

“I’ve met the team on a number of occasions – this is a groundbreaking initiative and I look forward to working with them closely in the months ahead.” 

If you live within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or are registered with Tranent Medical Practice and need support, please get in touch at thehaven@echcharity.org or call 0131 202 9212.

Hearts players spread festive cheer at New Sick Kids hospital

Children, families and NHS staff at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) were treated to a special Christmas surprise when players from Heart of Midlothian FC came to visit. 

Captain Craig Gordon and the first team squad spread lots of festive joy when they made their way around the hospital, meeting and speaking with some of their biggest fans on the wards and handing out Christmas goodies.

The annual visit is organised by NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). This is the first time the Hearts players have been able to visit the hospital in person since 2019 due to Covid, making the occasion even more memorable.

Craig said: “This is an important day in our calendar and we are delighted to be able to visit everyone in person once again.

“Christmas is a special time of year but, unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to spend it at home, happy and healthy with family and friends.

“That it why this visit is really meaningful, because it affords us the chance to give something back and to, hopefully, put some smiles on some faces and spread some Christmas cheer.”

ECHC runs a programme of daily fun activities throughout December to make sure no one spending the season in hospital misses out on the magic of Christmas. So far, children and their families have been entertained by Santa abseiling into the building, a silent disco around the wards and a live pipe band, with plenty more still to come.

Pippa Johnston, Director at ECHC, said: “The Hearts team’s visit to the hospital always provides a real boost to children, families and staff so it is marvellous to be able to welcome them back in person. Some of the children are avid Hearts supporters so really enjoy the opportunity to meet and take photos with their favourite players and get some Hearts goodies too.

“Every year, together with our friends at NHS Lothian, ECHC works hard to make time spent in hospital a little bit brighter. We rely solely on donations and kindness to be able to do this, so we are enormously grateful to Hearts for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit those facing a hospital stay this Christmas.” 

To find out more about ECHC’s Redirected Letters to Santa Christmas appeal and to donate, visit www.echcharity.org/donate 

Charity brings stories to life at Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for Christmas

Children and their families at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People were visited by storytelling and performance duo Macastory as part of the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour on Friday (9 December). 

Macastory shared songs and stories in an interactive event for the children in attendance. The tour is run by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, and sponsored by Scottish Friendly.

Alongside the event, children at the hospital and their families were gifted books by Scottish Book Trust to keep and enjoy. These were gifted as part of Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas appeal, which is fundraising to help gift and distribute books to families across Scotland during the festive period through food banks, hospitals, and other community spaces. Books bring comfort, joy, and escapism, and the initiative aims to bring the magic of books to families most in need this Christmas – especially in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour takes brilliant authors and illustrators to schools in all areas of Scotland for fully-funded events that hope to inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing in pupils.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: We’re delighted to have been able to return to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital with the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour, this time for a fun-filled event with Macastory in time for Christmas.

‘Bringing the magic of stories and books to children in hospital is hugely important – books can provide comfort and pleasure as well as improve overall wellbeing. Alongside today’s event, we were glad to be able to gift books to children in hospital and their families thanks to the generous support of the public.’

Fiona O’Sullivan, Director of Children’s Wellbeing at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Macastory to the hospital for this fantastic event. Storytelling is so powerful; being transported to another time or place can be so beneficial for children when they are unwell.

“No one wants to be in hospital at any time, but at Christmas it can be especially hard, so we are enormously grateful to Macastory for bringing lots of fun and distraction to the wards and waiting areas.’

Macastory, comprising storytellers Ron Fairweather and Fergus McNicol, said before the event: ‘We are delighted to have been invited by the Scottish Book Trust to be involved in the Christmas programme at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital.

“It’s a great way for us to bring our Christmas storytelling to kids who otherwise might miss out on this type of fun at this time of year. So we’ve picked our favourite Christmas tales to bring to the kids, families and staff at the hospital and we can’t wait to create some Christmas cheer for everyone to enjoy!’

Six in ten parents think their child has experienced mental ill health

  • New polling also reports significant impacts on family life and siblings
  • Findings also report impact on working life of parents

New polling for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) by The Diffley Partnership has exposed a dramatic concern among parents for their children’s mental wellbeing.

The polling has shown that:

  • 50% of parents think their child has experienced mental ill health, with over one quarter considering it moderate or serious
  • Nearly 60% of those parents reporting a mental health issue consider it to have a fair or great impact on their family life, with over 60% considering it to have such an effect on their childrens’ friendships and social activities
  • Almost half believe their child’s mental health issues have a great or fair impact on the other children in the household
  • More than one-quarter of parents with children whom they believe have a mental health issue have had to take time off work as a result

ECHC exists to transform the lives of babies, children and young people in hospital and healthcare so they can be a child first and a patient second. All its work streams are centred around this objective, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does, and its activity includes support for child and adolescent mental health services. 

It is currently considering enhancing its services for children and wellbeing with a mental health concern to reflect the increased need illustrated by this polling.

Commenting on the polling, ECHC’s Chief Executive Roslyn Neely said: “The data from this poll is deeply concerning. The truth is that we simply don’t know enough about the impact that life in the 2020s – with a period of social exclusion layered on top of unprecedented social media exposure – is having on young people’s mental health.

“However, what we do know is that we are seeing more problems than ever before, and we believe we can play a part in solving them.

“We are working on a ground-breaking programme which will not only help the young people experiencing mental ill health, but their families too.

“There is no more time to wait. We cannot simply cross our fingers and hope that our young people work out any problems without help. There is too much at stake.”

The polling follows a wellbeing and resilience report compiled by ECHC following in-depth consultations with the parents of children and young people who had experience with CAMHS or mental health issues.

Roslyn Neely added: “These in-depth consultations provided us with a wealth of information which, critically, show us that parents explore a range of different sources of help for their children, including CAMHS, GPs and schools.

“ECHC is now discussing the possibility of creating another route down which parents and young people can go.”

Santa Claus abseils into Edinburgh Children’s Hospital

Children at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) were given a wonderful surprise when Santa and his elves abseiled in to spread a ho-ho-whole lot of Christmas cheer.

Jolly old Saint Nick, two of his most trusted elves, and their super friend Spiderman descended the side of the hospital, much to the delight of unsuspecting children, families and staff watching through the ward windows and from the ground below.

The fearless festive friends scaled two different parts of the building to ensure as many children and young people as possible had a chance to view the spectacle.

Organised by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) in partnership with Edinburgh Rope Access, the daring deed is raising money to deliver magic and happiness to seriously ill children in hospital this Christmas.

Nicky Erskine, managing director at Edinburgh Rope Access, dedicated the gutsy stunt to all those at the hospital who fight their own brave battles on a daily basis.

Nicky said: “Who needs a chimney when Santa can abseil off the roof instead? Scaling the side of a hospital isn’t for the faint-hearted but it is nothing compared to the challenges that children staying here face with such courage every day.

“We wanted to do our bit to spread some Christmas cheer, bring lots of smiles to those on the wards and raise funds for an incredibly worthy cause while we were at it.”

Pippa Johnston, Director at ECHC, said: “We are enormously grateful to Santa and his elves for coming all the way from the North Pole to visit children and families at the hospital. It was marvellous to see so many faces light up when Santa dropped by their window and gave them a wave!

“Every year, together with our friends at NHS Lothian, ECHC works hard to make time spent in hospital a little bit brighter. At Christmas, this becomes even more vital, but we rely solely on donations and kindness to do this.

“Though we can’t stop their pain, we can deliver some happiness. For those facing a hospital stay at this time of year, special events like this really do go a long way in delivering magic and lifting everyone’s spirits.”

To find out more about ECHC’s Redirected Letters to Santa Christmas appeal and to donate, visit www.echcharity.org/donate

Gillespie Macandrew donates £40,000 to its charity partners

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has made a significant charitable donation of £40,000 to be shared between its two charity partners, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Alzheimer Scotland.

As part of its ESG programme, in each of the last 7 years Gillespie Macandrew has donated around 1% of the firm’s annual pre-tax profits to its partner charities.  In total this commitment has contributed over £210,000 to Scottish charitable causes. 

The firm’s charity partners are nominated and chosen by staff and supported through volunteering and other activities.  Last year Gillespie Macandrew began a three-year partnership with both ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland.

Robert Graham-Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Gillespie Macandrew commented: “We are delighted to share the firm’s success with these two very important Scottish charities, particularly during a period of recessionary pressures for organisations and individuals.

Our practitioners deal with sensitive family matters every day and it is therefore very fitting that we support ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland who provide invaluable support to Scottish families.”

Victoria Buchanan, Deputy Director of Development at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: “Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity is thrilled to receive this wonderful donation of £20,000! Being in hospital is tough for children but this donation will make things easier for them and their families.

“Through ECHC’s daily art activities, youth work and family programme on the wards, children can have fun and feel better supported to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

“We’d like to thank everyone at Gillespie Macandrew for their generous donation.”

Caroline Miller, Lead for Stakeholder Engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “We are so grateful to all of the people at Gillespie Macandrew for their continued support over the past year.

“People living with dementia and those who love them continue to be disproportionately affected by the legacy of the pandemic and the effects of the cost-of-living crisis so it’s vital that we continue to be there to make sure no one faces dementia alone.

“Gillespie Macandrew have made an incredible contribution during our partnership, raising over £40,000 which has all been used to support people living with dementia here in Scotland. Services supported include our network of Dementia Advisors who provide personal support, advice and advocacy and our Freephone 24 Hour helpline which is a lifeline for so many”.

Gillespie Macandrew has a long and proud history of supporting not for profit organisations and staff are given a paid day off each year to participate in charitable or corporate and social responsibility events.

The firm has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, advising clients on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise.